Criminal Justice Careers Outlook

Find Your Path to Public Service
CCJ Career Opportunities

102,300

Average annual law enforcement job openings through 20311

Criminology—a discipline within sociology—and criminal justice represent unique but critically related approaches to understanding and addressing crime, including its victims and perpetrators. While criminologists endeavor to study the driving causes and potential consequences of criminal behavior, those who work in criminal justice leverage the resulting insight to detect and fight crime in action.

The online Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Kent State University helps prepare you for the diverse career paths associated with the theoretical work of criminology; the practical work of criminal justice, including policing, corrections and victim advocacy; and the sector-crossing field of global security.

Your opportunity to serve and safeguard others starts here. Explore degree concentrations in Global Security, Policing and Victimology, and kickstart your career with Kent State.

Earnings Outcomes in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Because there are numerous professions that fall within the diverse fields of criminology and criminal justice, there is also a broad range in associated earnings potential. Below are current median annual salaries for common criminal justice and criminologist jobs. Remember that your Kent State MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice could help you earn up to 16% more than professional peers with a bachelor’s degree only:2

$97,930
Security managers3
$81,410
Financial examiners6
$92,910
Criminologists (Sociologists)4
$83,640
Detectives and criminal investigators7
$92,476
Security analysts5
$66,020
Police and Detectives8
Criminal justice or criminology—which path is yours?

As the discipline that deals with the practical application of policy and research, criminal justice is associated most closely with law enforcement, court proceedings and criminal corrections. Professionals in this field may work as criminal investigators or federal agents, but they may also work in research and policy development, aiming to improve existing policing or corrections practices.

On the other hand, criminologist jobs are focused almost entirely on research and policy development, using social science methods to understand the causes and effects of crime and to design interventions. Leaders in the field are highly sought after in both the private sector and federal government agencies.

Advance your public or private-sector global security career with core knowledge of intelligence, strategy and policy topics.

Online MA graduates who have concentrated in Global Security have gone on to pursue roles that include:
  • U.S. Border Patrol Agent
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent
  • Drug Enforcement Administration Agent
  • U.S. Marshal
  • Special Agent
  • Security Analyst
  • Policymaker
Become a force for restorative justice through a comprehensive study of crime victims, their treatment and their rights.

Our MA graduates who have concentrated in Victimology have gone on to pursue roles that include:
  • Criminal Profiler
  • Law Enforcement Agent
  • Crime Analyst
  • Victim Advocate
  • Criminal Investigator
Formulate research-backed theoretical frameworks for managing policing organizations and responding to emerging issues.

Graduates of the online MA program who concentrated in Policing have been successful in the following careers:
  • Police Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • State Trooper
  • Correctional Officer
  • Highway Patrol
  • Private Security
Latest Articles
Balancing career aspirations with personal and professional commitments can be challenging, especially for those looking to advance in the criminal justice field. However, the rise of online learning has made it more accessible than ever for individuals to pursue higher education while managing their busy lives. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice program offers the flexibility and convenience needed to help working professionals achieve their goals without compromising their current responsibilities.
In the pursuit of justice, understanding and addressing the needs of victims is crucial to fostering a more compassionate and effective justice system. Victimology—the study of victims, their experiences, and the responses of the criminal justice system—plays a vital role in shaping victim-centered policies and initiatives that prioritize healing and support.
In today’s interconnected world, global security threats are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted. From cyberattacks and terrorism to transnational crime and geopolitical conflicts, security professionals must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate an evolving landscape. As these challenges continue to grow, criminology professionals play a crucial role in developing strategies to combat emerging threats and protect communities on both national and international levels.
Build Your Career with a Degree Built Around You
Call Us

A phone call with one of our Admissions Outreach Advisors will make it even easier, call +1 330-672-8671
To submit a successful application, check out the Graduate Degree Student Checklist
Designed for busy working professionals and students seeking to expand their career options.
View Courses
Explore Our Online Programs
Find a Program
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Contact Us
Tuition and Costs
Meet Our Faculty
Contact Us